Q: Slow internet unless directly next to router
Hello. I've been having this problem since setting up Comcast internet service in a new apartment. I'm using their provided modem/router, an Arris TG862G/CT. The problem occurs specifically with my Macbook Pro (purchased 2011, running OSX 10.10.4) and specifically on this network. Other computers/phones work fine on the network, and this computer works fine on other networks.
The problem is that although I get full signal and can connect to the network without issue throughout my apartment, my internet connection is slow to nonexistent unless the computer is quite literally right next to the router. Moving as little as a few feet away means that pages load slowly if at all, and any more than that I get nothing.
I have restarted both the computer and the router multiple times. I have determined that the problem is not browser-specific (occurs on both Firefox and Safari). I've tried changing the router's channel to minimize interference, but this does not seem to have any effect.
Any other ideas of something I can try to fix this would be appreciated. I'm finding this hard to troubleshoot since my connection is "technically" working.
MacBook Pro, OS X Yosemite (10.10.4)
Posted on Aug 9, 2015 5:34 PM
You have more noise than signal. Assuming that nothing is wrong with the computer or the router, as you've stated, the problem is caused by interference.
USB 3 devices (if you have any) can interfere with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. You may be able to mitigate the problem by using a USB cable with better shielding, or by switching from the 2.4 GHz wireless band to the 5 GHz band.
See also:
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Potential sources of wireless interference - Apple Support
Posted on Aug 9, 2015 9:54 PM